Small but perfectly formed

While most visitors to China visit its mega cities, Deng Zhangyu finds that those who get off the beaten track will find tourist gold in the country's most beautiful villages.

The hustle and bustle of cities sometimes numbs us to our surroundings, so why not travel a fresh path in 2013 and savor the countryside?

The country's scattered villages all have their unique charms and to help you get in touch with nature and tranquility here are five of the best.

1. Altay, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region

Wooden houses fence in cows and sheep, pine trees stand in rows not far away from the hillside and smoke spirals from kitchen chimneys.

Tuwa villages along the Kanas River in Altay county in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region have oft been described in terms of a fantasyland.

The Tuwa are a nomadic tribe and said to be related to the Mongolians. For 400 years they have settled along the Kanas River, dubbed "the last piece of pure land on Earth".

They are good at horse riding, singing and dancing. The villages and their people still live old-style lives.

The best time to visit is from June to September, when the land is bathed in yellow hues.

If you go

Fly to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Then take a minibus to Altay county or Burqin county, costing about 80 yuan ($13) per person. The Kanas River is 140 km away from Burqin county and 200 km from Altay. Visitors have to rent a car or taxi. Hotels cost about 200 yuan and a yurt costing 350 yuan can house eight to 10 people.